They call the space station international because it is a project that includes five groups; the American NASA, the Russian RKA, the Japanese JAXA, the European ESA, and the Canadian CSA. The international space station is important. First of all, it is a space research laboratory in which experiments in the fields of biology, human biology, physics, meteorology, astronomy, and others can be done. In addition, this station allows the capability to test spacecraft systems and equipment for missions to the Moon and Mars. Finally, the international space station provides an oppurtunity to gain more knowledge on what we're lacking about space. We can conduct scientific research, make explorations, and people on Earth can learn at educational oppurtunities. This is why the international space station is important.